In the spring of 597 BC, Chu invaded Zheng. Duke Xiang of Zheng surrendered, greeting King Zhuang of Chu naked and leading a sheep - a gesture of complete submission. That summer, Jin sent an army to rescue Zheng. When they reached the Yellow River and learned Zheng had already made peace with Chu, commander Xun Linfu wanted to retreat. But his deputy, Xian Zhen, furiously objected, calling retreat cowardice. Xian Zhen was stubborn and reckless - he refused orders and crossed the river alone with his division. A Chu advisor analyzed: 'Jin's leadership is divided. Xian Zhen is stubborn and self-willed, refusing to obey. Jin will surely lose.' The Chu army crushed the Jin forces.
公元前597年春，楚国打进郑国，郑襄公裸体牵羊迎接楚庄王，并苦苦求饶，取得了楚王的同情。当年夏，晋国派军队救援郑国。晋军南下，兵临黄河时，听说郑国已经同楚国媾和。晋军中军主帅荀林父想退兵，但他的副手先縀坚决反对，认为退兵是懦弱的表现。先縀刚愎不仁，不肯听从命令，率所属部队独自渡过黄河。楚庄王的宠臣伍参分析说：晋国现在从政的都是些新人，不能很好地执行命令；其副手先縀刚愎不仁，不肯听从命令。这一仗，晋军必败。结果楚军大败晋军。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
Stubbornness dressed up as courage is still stubbornness. The idiom describes someone so rigid in their own opinions that they cannot hear reason - often with disastrous consequences.
Stubbornness dressed up as courage is still stubbornness. The idiom describes someone so rigid in their own opinions that they cannot hear reason - often with disastrous consequences.